Redemption for a Cloverleaf

-Sheriff’s Department-

It was almost time. It had been close to 2 hours now since Hitch and Sunny agreed to go to Canterlogic to try and speak with Phyllis and Reggie. That was in the early hours of the morning, just minutes before Canterlogic opened. So, they decided to wait for a few hours, to make sure Phyllis was settled in.

During the wait, Hitch was feeling the suspense just killing him. He was both excited and dreading talking to Phyllis after their last conversation. He wanted to get this over with. The only thing he hoped for was that Phyllis would give him at least something to work with.

Although, after looking through some interesting things, he probably wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t want to talk about it.

All of a sudden, he heard a small, but loud gasp come from Sunny. He turned his head toward her.

“What’s wrong, Sunny?” He asked, now feeling more interested, looking at the shocked face of Sunny.

“You need to see this.” She said, making him get out of his chair and come over to her.

“What’d you find?” He asked, looking at the screen. He was then met with surprise with what he was looking at.

“Remember that guy, Marlow Bloomington? Who may be Phyllis’ brother?” She asked him, showing him the screen that showed a letter on it.

“Yeah?” He said, looking over it. He then saw that, it wasn’t a letter. It was a certificate.

Moreover, a death certificate.

"This is Marlow Bloomington's death certificate. It says he hung himself in his closet." Hitch said, reading over the tragic details of somepony who took their own life.

Sunny nodded. “I know. But look at the date. This was around 40 years ago. Around the same time that Phyllis was…well, you know.” She said, shivering in disgust. Hitch almost did too.

She clicked on the mouse, and then moved to another screen. There, Hitch saw ANOTHER certificate. Only this time, it was a Birth Certificate.

“This is Bud Bloomington’s birth certificate. No father listed. Only Phyllis' name on here.” Hitch said in disbelief.

“That’s not all.” Sunny said, minimizing the screens and making both of them appear next to each other.

“You keep saying Do the Math. Well I did. And I found something really crazy, Hitch.” She said, allowing him to see both screens.

Hitch did that. And it took him only a minute to add everything up. When he did, his eyes widened in shock. Of all the years he’s been Sheriff, this was certainly a twist he didn’t see coming.

“Marlow killed himself….not too long after Bud was conceived.”

The two of them couldn’t move. That was a very interesting, and somewhat disturbing detail there. A mare is pregnant with a foal for 11 months. Looking at the dates between when Bud was born and Marlow took his own life, that was the same number of months when these two things happened. Phyllis became pregnant with Bud, then VERY shortly after that, Marlow Bloomington committed suicide. Then, 11 months later, Bud Bloomington, the serial killer in Clopton known as the Mother Mutilator, was born.

"Hitch?" Sunny asked in a barely audible whimper, making him look at her.

"If Marlow really is Phyllis' brother...then....did he...?" Sunny started to ask, but couldn't, due to the VERY ugly and disgusting idea she just got in her head.

Hitch felt his stomach start to churn. The very idea of this just made him so nauseous, he almost felt the need to run to the bathroom to puke his guts out in the toilet. He didn't want to believe that this was true. But, if it was, then he HAD to know. He may need to talk to Charnelle again and have her look over the DNA samples.

"I don't know, Sunny. I just don't know." He said, feeling a shiver run down his spine. Sunny sat up from her chair and gently patted his back in comfort. He smiled, glad to have Sunny with him on this case. Had he done this case alone, he may have started to lose his mind like how Zipp did for a little while.

-Canterlogic-

Phyllis was currently staring out of the large window in her office that overlooked Maretime Bay. Almost as if she was the Queen, but she wasn’t.

She had just cleaned her face up after getting done crying, remembering that traumatic moment from her foalhood. She thought she had sealed these memories away forever. Almost to a point of even forgetting who THOSE ponies were.

However, a certain voice in her head wouldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t let her forget everything that happened during her foalhood. And he wasn’t leaving anytime soon either apparently.

Do you get it now?

Shut Up

You know I can’t do that.

You had NO RIGHT to do what you just did! Why would you make me see….THAT?

You know why.

I don’t want to….

Remember? You don’t want to remember? That’s it?

Phyllis closed her eyes and grunted a little bit, just to try and shut that voice up in her head. When she opened her eyes again, she looked down toward the front entrance to Canterlogic.

It was Sunny and Hitch. They both were just standing there. She didn’t know for sure, but she could swear that they were looking up at her.

Hitch knows.

No, he doesn’t.

Why else would he be here then? He’s the Sheriff. Gathering info on crimes is what he does.

Phyllis thought for a moment, and realized the voice in her head was right. Hitch MUST be here to speak with her. Which means he knows some things about her. About what happened all those years ago.

The question is, how much did he know?

You need to tell him.

No.

You’ve known Hitch ever since he was a colt. You know how good a job he is at being the Sheriff. What’s not to trust?

Why should I? Why should I trust ANYPONY with this? I’m barely opening up to YOU, whoever you are.

The voice paused for a second before he gave Phyllis the biggest and best answer he could.

Cause he’s your son’s best friend. Sprout NEEDS you, whether he likes it or not. Telling Hitch everything will help bring that demon child of yours to prison where he belongs.

Phyllis felt a shiver run up her spine. Why couldn’t this voice in her head, whoever it is, just leave her alone? Why was it even here?

Phyllis, you’ve been in so much pain the past 40 years. Hiding it only makes it worse. And I think you know that, until you open up, just a little bit, I won’t go away. Besides, you’ve known Hitch ever since he was a little colt. You also know he’s a stallion of his word. He’s somepony you can tell this too.

Phyllis tried so hard to NOT listen to the voice in her head telling her this. However, her attempts were in vain. She couldn’t get the thoughts or the voice out of her head.

What if he doesn’t….?

Believe you? You’re worried he won’t believe you? Like THEY didn’t?

Phyllis grunted, trying not to see any visions from the past that this voice in her head showed her before. There wasn’t any visions, but now she heard another voice. Many voices actually. Voices she remembered from long ago.

”Don’t LIE to me!!” A voice coming from an older mare yelled at her in a rage.

“I’m not lying!” She heard a pink teen filly plead her case, also sounding extremely terrified.

She then heard a slap. Phyllis could somewhat feel the stinging sensation in her cheek.

“You were just being a little whore, that’s what’s happened. And you are NOT getting an abortion. That’s final.” The older mare said, now turning her back and walking away from her.

Hearing that news, all the pink filly could do was sit down and cry. Why won’t they listen to her? Why didn’t they believe her?

Hitch and Sunny walked around Canterlogic for a little bit, trying to look for Reggie, the police pony turned janitor. Sunny would ask Reggie some questions, regarding the Lexi Orphanage fire from 20 years ago, while Hitch would interview Phyllis about Bud Bloomington, her other son.

“You remember what I told you, right Sunny?” Hitch asked her as they walked toward the break room.

Sunny nodded. “Yeah. I’ll only talk about the fire. I won’t mention Phyllis having another son to Reggie.”

“And if he says no comment on something?”

“I won’t try to push him. He’s the experienced one and we have to respect that.”

Hitch nodded. “Okay good.” He told her, as he now looked in the break room. There, drinking a cup of coffee, was a stallion who looked about in his mid fifties, same age as Phyllis. He had a dark purple coat and a light brown mane. He also looked pretty good for his age. It appeared he still took care of himself, despite his age.

Reggie turned his head and saw the two of them coming in. “Sheriff Hitch. Sunny Starscout. Nice to see you.” He told them.

“Hello Reggie.” Hitch said. Truth be told, he was feeling sort of giddy now. He was in the presence of a guy who worked as a detective in a hard place to live in Equestria like Clopton. It was like meeting a hero he never knew he had.

“What brings you two over here?” Reggie asked, taking a small sip of his coffee.

Sunny slowly took a few steps toward him. “We need your help with something.”

The older stallion raised an eyebrow in confusion. “With what?”

“The victim that was found on the beach about a week ago? We did some digging, and found out she was a victim of the serial killer from Clopton. The Mother Mutilator.” Hitch said. He could feel tension as he saw Reggie’s demeanor change a little bit. It appeared he didn’t like what he just heard.

“We know you used to be a police pony in Clopton. And, we need your help in finding the guy who did it.” Sunny said.

“I’m retired from that.” Reggie said in a monotone, yet stern voice. Showing he didn’t really want to talk about this.

“I know.” Hitch said. “But, admittedly, I’m desperate. I need to know as much as I can, regarding all the information we’ve gathered.”

“I promise I only have a couple to ask. It won’t take long at all. And if there’s any you don’t feel comfortable discussing, just tell me. But, we really need your help, Reggie.” Sunny said, trying to look as sincere as she possibly could.

Reggie allowed what these two said to play in his head. He didn’t really want to discuss THIS case in particular. He knew all about the Lexi fire from 20 years ago. And a few years after that was when the killings of the Mother Mutilator had begun. It was a case he was on, and became consumed with.

A case that cost him his family. A case that COULD have driven him insane, had he not been convinced to resign his position. A case that one could argue ruined his life.

However, he also respected that Hitch was the Sheriff here. He may have been a police pony longer than him, but that wasn’t the case now. He was a janitor and he had to follow Hitch’s laws here.

“Before I give my answer, let me ask this question…” Reggie asked. “Why is Sunny interviewing me? Why not you?”

Sunny and Hitch looked at each other for a quick second. They didn’t want to reveal anything involving Phyllis’ other son, but if Hitch was gonna talk with Phyllis, he needed to give a reason why. So, Hitch decides to tell a half truth and half lie.

“I need to talk with Phyllis. There was a partial match of DNA from Sprout. I know it’s not him. But, I need to ask if there are any other family members I should know about.” He said, trying to sound like he was telling the truth, when it was only half of it.

Reggie didn’t look like he was buying it. He wanted to call him out on it. However, he could also see desperation on their faces. He could tell they were being genuine in their attempt to find that psycho fucker who murdered those mares all those years ago. He wanted that murderer to be found too.

So, he decided to be the bigger stallion here.

“Fine. I’ll talk.” Reggie said.

Sunny nodded gratefully. “Thank you sir.” She said, now sitting at the table in the break room. Thankfully, no pony else was around. It was just those two.

Just as Hitch was ready to leave, Reggie called back to him. “Hitch, go easy on Mrs. Cloverleaf, okay? She’s had a rough few days. She had a fight with her son and he moved out. She’s still kind of emotional about it.”

Hitch looked surprised to hear that. He took a quick look at Sunny. She looked embarrassed at him finding that out. She was going to tell him soon. They were just so busy finding evidence that she must’ve forgot to tell him.

He nodded at Reggie and proceeded to Phyllis’ office.

Reggie then looked at Sunny. She almost felt intimidated of him. This was a guy who, just by looking at him, had seen and done so much. Being a police pony in Clopton was something only the true toughest of the tough ponies could do.

“So, Reggie, we looked through the victim’s of the Mother Mutilator. Hitch and I. We know you worked for the police during that time. What can you tell me about it?” She asked.

Reggie sighed. “It was tough during that time.” He said, remembering everything he didn’t want to. “Whoever the guy was that did it, he was good at covering his tracks. And the loved ones of the victims, I think you can tell what that was like.”

Sunny gave him a sad look. She COULD tell. So many ponies who lost their loved one to a serial killer. The police probably got so many angry calls or negative views from the media. Probably saying that all cops are bad and that they should be defunded. Even though, they also are needed the most in a town like Clopton. It was like hating something, but needing it to stay live and safe.

“You know what’s funny though?” Reggie asked, making Sunny pay attention again.

“It was the timing of it.” He said. Sunny’s ears perked up for this.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked, jotting down her notes.

“There was some gossip column I was reading one day. It talked about some orphanage called Lexi.” He said. Sunny had to contain her excitement with him saying this. She encouraged him to continue.

“It said that the kids there were abused, neglected and even molested. Even some teachers at their schools showed some concerns about them. So, me and my old partner went out there to investigate.”

Sunny wrote down a few quick notes. She wasn’t really a fast note taker.

“When we got there, we asked the two owners about it. Issac and Lexi were their names. We asked the kids too. They were either too scared to talk, or just chose not too. But, there was one kid who stood out to me.”

Sunny could practically feel the excitement. Which she was containing at full strength.

“He was the oldest kid there. 17 or 18 years old to be exact. There was something funny about him. When I looked at him, when you saw his eyes, it’s like there was nothing there, but there kind of was too. Almost…evil, if I don’t sound too dramatic.”

“What did he look like?” Sunny asked, her hooves practically sweating with excitement.

“Well, he looked in good shape. He looked like he hit the gym almost every day. He had a blonde mane and his coat, kind of looked like a peach if it was darkened.”

Sunny wrote that down. Blonde mane, dark peach coat color. Muscular.

“And what was his name?” She asked.

“Bud. Bud Bloomington.”

Sunny had to hold herself down in her chair to keep her from jumping out of it. Now, her and Hitch may FINALLY have a lead on this. Thankfully, she kept her cool.

“So, why did this day make the first victim of the Mother Mutilator seem odd to you?” She asked.

“It wasn’t that day. It was a month later.” Reggie said, breathing in a deep breath.

“One month after we went out there, we got a call saying that there was an arson. 7 victims dead.”

“And the place where the arson was at?”

“Lexi Orphanage.” Reggie said. Sunny felt a chill run down her spine.

“There was 10 ponies living there. We only found 7. So, 3 of those ponies disappeared. It took a while to ID the victims, some of which were young fillies and colts.” Reggie said, trying not to get choked up. Sunny felt true remorse for him.

“Two things: One, Bud Bloomington wasn’t ID’d among the bodies. Two, and this is where the Mother Mutilator comes in.” He said, making the suspense keep Sunny on him.

“All of the victims were stabbed to death before the fire. And one of them….her marehood was stabbed beyond belief. And that’s what all the other victims had.”

Sunny’s jaw hit the floor at this revelation. They had something big now on this case.

Hitch was going to have to have a talk with Sunny after he got done with Phyllis. He wanted to know if she knew. If she knew about Sprout moving out in anger at Phyllis. If she did, why didn’t she tell him when they were doing research together?

That didn’t matter right now though. Because now, he was standing outside of Phyllis Cloverleaf’s office. Even if he knew this was gonna be intense and uncomfortable, eventually when the matter does happen, he still didn’t feel prepared for this mentally. Or emotionally.

So, with that, he knocked on her door. The seconds that went by felt like hours to him. After waiting for about another minute, he attempted to knock again. He hesitated. Maybe Phyllis wasn’t here, he thought in denial. Reggie just said she was. His mind was doing hurtles in his head.

“Come in.” He heard Phyllis’ voice from the other side. It sounded barely audible. Like, she knew or had a feeling he was gonna be here.

He slowly opened the door. When he was inside, he saw her with her back turned to him. She was looking out the window that overlooked Maretime Bay. He knew then that she must’ve seen him and Sunny come into the building.

After walking further inside and closing the door behind him, all he could do was just stare at her. The quiet between them felt tense to Hitch. He wanted to say something to stop this feeling. But what would he start with? What could he even say?

“Saw you come in from here. You and Sunny.” Phyllis said, with her back still turned to him.

“Yeah.” Was all Hitch could mutter. The silence was broken. That was good. Now, he knew what he could say. Actually, what he NEEDED to say first off.

“I’m here for a few things, Phyllis.” Hitch started. “But first… I want to apologize.”

Phyllis slowly turned around. Now the two were face to face. He could tell she wasn’t really happy to see him. Not after everything that’s happened. He took a few steps toward her. Slowly, and with compassion.

“I was wrong.” He continued. “I had no right to act the way I did when I talked to you last. It was…bad how I treated you.” He truly felt like shit now. Even if she looked okay physically, just looking in her eyes, she was absolutely miserable and sad. He just knew it.

He saw her face get choked up. He saw she was holding in her emotions. And waiting for the right moment to blow them up in his face.

“I admit, I was angry and confused with what I found out. About you having another son out there. With how long we’ve known each other, I felt insulted. But, even with that said, it’s still no excuse for how I acted. I’m truly sorry, Phyllis.” He said, sounding very downbeat and bummed.

She sniffled. “You ruined my life.” Phyllis said in a tone that could just barely be considered a whisper. It was filled with anger and hurt.

Hitch sighed in sadness. “I know about Sprout moving out. I’m sorry.”

“How many other ponies know about that THING?” She asked, with the THING filled with venom and hate.

“Well, me, Sunny, Izzy, Pipp, Zipp, Alphabittle and Queen Haven. That’s all I know of.” He said.

“And I guarantee you Bella and Vinny know too. I’m certain he moved in with them. So, they must know as well. Even ponies I love with all my heart know about this. Do you know how hard that is to accept, Hitch?” Phyllis asked him, with a small tear running down her face.

“Be that as it may, Phyllis, I know they won’t judge you for what happened. Especially….” Hitch had to stop himself from having a baby barf in his mouth. Though it was more out of nervousness than it was disgust.

“Especially what, Sheriff Hitch?” Phyllis asked, still sounding bitter at him.

He took a deep breath. “Especially with what I’ve come up regarding what happened…to you.” He said, sounding very sad.

I told you he knows.

Phyllis continued her glare at him. Though, she was hiding what she was feeling more. On the outside, she showed a mare angry at a stallion she’s known her whole life. On the inside, her heart was racing with fear. Did he know, or figure it out?

Hitch sighed again. “When you said “I did not” and you didn’t finish your sentence. It was on my mind for a while. Then, I figured, the only reason you’d say that is because…” Hitch had to sniffle a little bit, trying not to get himself choked up.

Phyllis felt her lip quiver. He was gonna say it. She knew it.

“Because…you were raped.” Hitch finally said, followed by a deep breath, letting out his anxiety.

The room grew quiet. Not a single word or sound came from either of them. Even so, the tension in the room became heavier than it did when Hitch first walked in.

He knows. You gotta tell him. Come on, Phyllis. It’s time to stop hiding. Even if you’re angry with him, you know you can trust him with something like this. Please, Phyllis. Enough.

Phyllis let out an emotional shutter. She tried desperately to not let out tears, but it was impossible.

“Guess you figured it out.” Phyllis said softly.

Hitch felt his heart almost break in two hearing her say this. All the opinions and hypothesis’ he thought of were true. He hoped it wasn’t true, but it was. Somepony he’s known his whole life, the mother of one of his closest’s friends…was violated. Raped and impregnated at a very young age by some piece of shit pony. Then FORCED to have a child she didn’t want.

He should feel glad that his detective skills turned out to be true. But he wasn’t. If anything, he felt like shit even more.

“Phyllis…” Hitch said in a tone that showed her deep compassion and remorse.

“Now do you know why I chose to keep something like this a secret? Why I don’t like to talk about it?” Phyllis asked very emotionally. “I was only 14.” She shuttered with tears down her face.

“I’m so sorry, Phyllis. I had no idea. I can’t imagine what you’ve been through these last 40 years.” He said, a few tears streaming down his face now as well.

The two stared at each other for about half a minute, before Hitch came forward and wrapped his hooves around Phyllis.

“I’m so sorry.” Hitch whispered emotionally. Which caused Phyllis to break down.

“I was only 14.” She repeated herself, now accepting his hug. Even wrapping her hooves around him as well.

“I know.” Hitch said softly. The two of them just stayed in that embrace for about 2 or 3 minutes. Just Hitch comforting his friend.

“So, Phyllis, I have a couple questions I wanna ask you now.” Hitch said, now sitting in the chair that faced her desk.

“Before I answer any of your questions, I need to say some things to YOU as well.” She said, wiping her excess tears off her face.

Hitch nodded. “Understandable.”

“First, what’s going on with Zipp? Is she arrested still?” She asked, still not looking too happy about her son’s assault.

“She’s in Zephyr Heights right now. She’ll be back in about 2 or 3 days. When she comes back, she’s gonna help me find your other son.” He told her, making her look very unhappy hearing that.

“I know you think she should be in jail, but she agreed to an offer I gave her. She stays a week in Zephyr Heights, while I do most of the work on this case. When she comes back, she and I work together to find Bud. When we do, she’s agreed to spend 15 to 16 days in jail.”

“She should spend more.” Phyllis said.

“I get it, but that’s what it is here. She even apologized to Sprout. It’s on video on Cliptrot.” He told her. That surprised her. She may need to look that up and see if he’s telling the truth.

“Very well.” She continued. “Now, I also want to let you know, that if I say No Comment, then don’t try to make me say anything. If you do, I’ll ask you to leave. Are we at an understanding, Hitch?” She asked him.

Hitch nodded. “Yes. I only want to know a few things. It’s your right to say No Comment about something personal.” Even though he said it, he couldn’t deny that deep down he would be bummed if he didn’t get all the information from her.

“Now, Phyllis, you said your maiden name is Bloomington. Were your parents farmers from Trotville? I read up on something called the Blooming Days Festival.”

Phyllis gave a deep breath, before hearing somepony in her head tell her something that any pony in a situation like her would need to hear.

It’s okay, Phyllis. It’ll be okay. Hitch is here. It’ll all be okay.

Phyllis nodded her head. “Liana and Aster Bloomington. My garbage parents, who kicked me out after I dropped that THING off at that orphanage. Although, they probably never even loved me too much anyway. I was only the other foal.”

Hitch felt another pang to his chest hearing that. Parental favoritism was just horrible. However, now that she’s told him this, then that means it’s true.

Marlow Bloomington is Phyllis’ brother.

“When you say that, I take it Marlow Bloomington was your brother. He was the golden child to them?” He asked.

It only happened in quick flash, but he swore he saw her flinch just a little bit. However, he mostly saw her breath in anger at that name.

“Yes. But the only thing my brother ended up being was a coward who took his own life. My parents even blamed me for it.”

“Why? Why would they blame you?” He asked.

She shrugged. “Guess they needed a punching bag to take out their anger on. Why not use their only daughter, right?” She asked in mock humor, masking sadness and anger.

“I’m sorry, Phyllis.” Hitch said. Now, he knew he was gonna get into some really dark shit. He took a deep breath.

“Phyllis, we know that Bud Bloomington killed Lilac Summers. But…she wasn’t the only one.” He said, making Phyllis’ eyes widen.

“What?” She asked in shock.

“He, along with two other accomplices, were responsible for the Lexi Orphanage burning down 20 years ago. And after that….was when the Mother Mutilator killings started happening.”

Phyllis almost felt ready to vomit hearing this. A chill ran down her spine.

“Y-Y-You’re saying…”

Hitch nodded. “Bud Bloomington is the Mother Mutilator.” Phyllis felt her hooves sink into her desk in shock and disbelief.

“Last question: do you REALLY know who your rapist is?” He asked her.

Phyllis breathed in and out again. “Yes. I know he’s dead now. However, as far as who he is, I’m going to decline telling you that.”

Hitch looked defeated hearing that.

“Do you think I like hating my other son? Believe it or not, I don’t. But, whenever I looked at that THING, I just thought of…my rapist. And it made me sick. I know it’s not fair or right. But it is what it is, Hitch.” She said.

Hitch sighed dejectedly. “Okay Phyllis. That’s all I need from you. Thank you for telling me this. And I promise, I’m gonna find your other son and bring him to justice.”

The room went quiet for a minute, before Hitch spoke again, this time deciding to say something personal again.

“Phyllis….I know you and I have disagreed on many things in the past. But, I’ve always respected you. And, personally, I’ve always thought of you as a second mother. Because…Sprout has always been like a brother to me.” He said, making Phyllis look touched.

“And I know that the past two years, I had a funny way of showing it. I admit, I was angry and bitter. But, I realized I was wrong for being that way.” He saw Phyllis nod her head emotionally.

“What I’m trying to say is, I think if you as family, Phyllis. With everything you’ve been through the past 40 years, I think you should talk with somepony.” He told her, making her look away from him in shame.

“There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, Phyllis. Especially from ponies who love you.” He said in the most compassionate tone he could ever muster, making a tear fall down Phyllis’ face.

As Hitch walked toward her door, he looked back and said this to her before leaving.

“You’re not alone, Phyllis. Even if you think you are.”

Phyllis just sat there in her chair, touched by his words. She never knew he felt that way about her. She also let those words repeat themselves in her head again.

You Are Not Alone.

A tear of emotion ran down her face.